40 years of school ends today.

[RapunzelsSplitEnds]

Our first child began school in 1985 and our youngest has his final day at school today.
There are huge age gaps between each of our three dcs and for the first time in forty years, there will be no child to start school after the holidays.
It must sound really silly but I’m finding it difficult to process or finding positive answers.
I have a lot of work planned in order to keep really busy over the next few months and aim to squash the inner voice saying “Is that it?”

Sorry if this isn’t making sense but I feel quite lost right now. I would really appreciate any helpful advice especially how others have coped.

I started the school run in 1975, and still doing it now with the grandkids,so I think I get the medal. 🤣I'm also loco parentis for emergencies.

It doesn’t sound silly at all. The school run and having children who are school-aged has been a huge part of your life and daily routines, it’s understandable that you will feel a sense of loss/sadness/anxiety around such a big change. I hope you are OK. Hopefully it will start to feel more normal.

And us but we're in good company with other grandparents.

So am I, quite a few grandparents here too. I still hate doing the afternoon pick up, so much hanging around.

Wow, incredible! Time to do something for just you! Mark the milestone

Ahhh you will have grandkids soon enough! Enjoy the peace! Well done on successfully getting them all through school. Celebrate!!

Wow, I’ve never actually thought about it like this until your post. I started reception in 1999, my youngest sister will finish Year 11 in 2032 🤯 that’s actually insane! My son will only be four years behind her in 2036!

Goodness. What a marathon!

I have a friend whose children were at school for 34 years. She had five altogether, born over a period of 20 years.

Even now she is not able to take term-time holidays because she is a teacher!

37 years and this is my youngest’s last summer holiday. I really understand how you feel. To have the year no longer regulated by the school day and especially the school holidays, so strange after so long.

It's almost like having a career in parenthood isn't it.

Op you need to write a book!

Maybe a mumsnet collective on how parenting has changed or stayed the same.

Me too! My youngest is in y12 and my eldest started school in 1995. I'm really looking forward to not have to deal with a school ever again. Of course just as she leaves my gs starts school. I'm wishing my dd luck with that!